JEROME LAFRENIERE has been a professional artist since 1975. After being educated in the arts at Humboldt University, Jerome followed a creative path that led him to a successful career in painting, jewelry fabrication, cast paper, ceramics, wood working and eventually, metal sculpture.

Jerome found great success with his innovative plumbing fixture sculptures in the early 80s and sold them at art shows, galleries, the Pike Place Market and at a retail location in the Pioneer Square area of Seattle for several years. In the late 80s Jerome switched to larger steel sculptures and moved his studio to Reno, NV. He sold his sculptures at prestigious art shows and galleries for several years before he retired in ‘05. 15 years later, and 15 pounds heavier, Jerome became somewhat bored with toys, travel and play and returned to the art world he desperately missed . However, this time. he had the freedom, finances and time to create something new without the need to make a living and without the restraints of time spent and costs. Unrestrained freedom to create.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS:

Jerome spent over two years experimenting with different materials and techniques and is now proud to introduce his totally new series of sculptures that he calls, “TRIBAL Totems.” For these sculptures he has utilized materials and techniques that are used in the construction of experimental aircraft, America Cup sailboats and the larger than life, monumental sculptures in front of most Las Vegas Casinos. Jerome now creates large sculptures that are very dimensional, lightweight,, durable, strong and suitable for indoor/outdoor display. HARD COAT PROCESS: Marine Epoxy, and finely crushed natural stone over a hand formed, High Density XPS Styrene armature core with Epoxy sealed wood backing and finished with a Exterior Acrylic or Mica Powder decorative coating.

After numerous requests for a less expensive alternative to his larger sculptures, Jerome has recently (reluctantly) introduced a series of smaller wall sculptures. He has also decided to offer dozens of art prints that he has created during his retirement. Although the majority of these art prints are based on the Tribal Totem concept, some are more contemporary with brighter color schemes for those who may prefer a more modern look. Jerome said, “ Although, I started my career as a painter, I have never considered myself a very good 2D artist. I have always been in awe of great artists who can paint like the gods. I know my limitations. I think I am good with shapes, so I mainly use shapes-more GRAPHIC ART. It is like therapy and I can do it when I travel. “

After moving into a larger studio in the Hualapai Mountain area of Kingman, AZ. , Jerome fell in love with the Tribal shapes and designs of the Southwest Indian Tribes and started incorporating variations of them into his work with a contemporary twist. Later, he discovered similarities in the Tribal Ethnic shapes and Symbols from other parts of the world and incorporated variations of them into his sculptures and art prints as well.

Now in his 70s, Jerome is still very vibrant and creative. He works alone in his new, “DREAM” studio in Arizona with his dog, “MOJO” and his trusty, old school “I-pod” cranking out the tunes he grew up with.

Jerome said, “ I work alone because I am a perfectionist and have little time or the patience for training workers. My standards are higher than my patience threshold. I have a wife, grand kids, boats, motor cycles and a RV , and ALL of them are ALWAYS competing for my free time attention. Also, having employees who depend on a weekly pay check does not allow me the freedom to take time off when I want to.. “

He also stated, “However, I am a devoted, professional artist and fulfilling my customer obligations is still my main priority, as it has always been, since I sold my first painting so long ago for 30 bucks at a small gallery in N.Cal. I have never looked back. I have zero regrets about the path I have followed. I am sincerely thankful to all of the kind souls who have purchased my artwork over the years. They have allowed me to live a great life, and do what I love. I hope you have enjoyed viewing my new Tribal Totem series and Art Prints as much as I have enjoyed creating them. "Jerome LaFreniere